5 Days Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay Tour Package

4.9 (112 Reviews)

This 5-day tour gives you a fast-paced look at Northern Vietnam’s best scenery. You start in Hanoi, where you can explore the Old Quarter and watch daily life near the famous train street. From there, you head to Ninh Binh to cycle past limestone mountains and take a boat ride through river caves in Tam Coc. The trip ends with an overnight cruise on Halong Bay, where you can swim, kayak, and explore Sung Sot Cave before returning to Hanoi.

Trip Facts

Country Vietnam
Duration 5 Days 4 Nights
Max. Altitude: 20m above sea level
Accomodation 3 star
Start/End Airport/Airport
No. of location coverage 4
Starting From
$427.36 / person

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Trip Highlights

  • Old Quarter Walking: Explore Hanoi’s narrow trading streets, visit local markets, and check out the Train Street location.

  • Tam Coc Boat Tour: Row through natural limestone caves on a quiet river in Ninh Binh.

  • Hoa Lu & Mua Cave: Visit ancient royal temples and climb the steps to Mua Cave for great valley views.

  • 5-Star Halong Bay Cruise: Stay overnight on a luxury boat with sunset views, Tai Chi sessions, and sundeck dining.

  • Kayaking & Swimming: Paddle through calm water near Trinh Nu Cave and relax on the beach at Titop Island.

Worth It ?

This 5-day package is ideal if you have limited travel days but still want to see Northern Vietnam’s main landmarks. Because it stays close to Hanoi, you spend less time on long highway journeys and more time sightseeing.

If you have extra days and want to visit the mountains, check out our 6-day tour package, which adds a visit to Cat Cat village in Sapa. For the complete mountain and bay experience, our 7-day trek package includes extended hiking through Sapa's Muong Hoa Valley.

Overview

If you want to see Northern Vietnam’s top natural sights without taking too much time off work, this 5-day package covers the highlights. Starting in Hanoi, you get time to settle in, walk through the historic Old Quarter, and try local dishes like egg coffee or phở. The capital gives you an easy introduction to local culture and history before you travel into the countryside.

On the second day, a short drive takes you to Ninh Binh, often called Halong Bay on land. You will visit the ancient temples at Hoa Lu, ride a boat through Tam Coc’s river caves, and cycle along peaceful country roads surrounded by green peaks. A hike up to Mua Cave gives you panoramic views over the river valleys below.

The second half of your trip takes you out onto the water in Halong Bay. Boarding a 5-star cruise ship, you will sail past thousands of limestone karsts, kayak through quiet lagoons, and step inside Sung Sot Cave. You spend the night on the bay, enjoying fresh seafood and watching the sunset from the top deck before heading back to Hanoi for your flight home.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Once you land, our private driver will meet you for a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to recover from the flight, wander through the local streets, and enjoy your first authentic Vietnamese meal at your own pace. It is a perfect start to your Hanoi travel experience.

Highlights of the day:

● Private airport pickup and comfortable transfer

● Seamless hotel check-in assistance

● Leisure time to recover from your flight

● Self-guided exploration of local neighborhoods

Our Ninh Binh day tour takes you beyond the city to explore breathtaking limestone scenery and rich cultural heritage. Visit the historic Hoa Lu ancient capital tour site, cycle through picturesque countryside, and complete your journey with a relaxing Tam Coc tour through the region's famous river caves. We end the day with a climb to the viewpoint before returning to Hanoi.

Highlights of the day:

● Scenic drive to the Ninh Binh countryside

● Historic tour of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

● Countryside cycling through local villages

● Boat ride through limestone caves in Tam Coc

● Hike to the Mua Cave viewpoint 

Your Halong Bay tour from Hanoi begins with a transfer to the marina, where you will board a luxury 5-star cruise. Spend the afternoon exploring the massive Sung Sot Cave and kayaking through the calm waters of the Trinh Nu area. As the evening sets in, enjoy a sunset party on the sundeck and a relaxing dinner onboard.

Highlights of the day:

● Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter

● Luxury 5-star cruise boarding

● Sung Sot Cave exploration

● Kayaking and swimming in the Trinh Nu area

● Onboard sunset party and cultural show 

Wake up to a fresh morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck before visiting the famous Tiptop Island tour destination. You will have plenty of time to hike for panoramic bay views, swim at the beach, or just relax. After a delicious brunch onboard, we cruise back to the marina and transfer you safely back to your Hanoi hotel.

Highlights of the day:

● Morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck

● Visit to Titop Island viewpoint

● Beach swimming and relaxation

● Buffet brunch on the cruise

● Return transfer to Hanoi

Enjoy a final buffet breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your journey home. Depending on your flight schedule, our driver will pick you up for a private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport. You will leave with great memories and a full experience of Northern Vietnam.

Highlights of the day:

● Final buffet breakfast

● Luggage assistance

● Private airport transfer

● Safe departure for your onward journey 

Cost Details

Cost Includes

  • All Government and local Vat and Taxes
  • Meals on Breakfast Basis
  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • 3 nights accommodation at 3 star booked hotel
  • 1 nights accommodation at 5 star Halong bay cruise
  • Entrance fees which are mentioned in above itinerary
  • All tours and transfers as mentioned above in itinerary

Cost Excludes

  • NOTE: Tourist visa is optional and can be added during checkout if required.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses (shopping, tips, laundry)
  • Lunch and Dinner which are not included in itinerary
  • Extra tours and activities which are not mention in itinerary

Booking Advice

Passport Validation: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your trip's return date.

Advance Booking: It is highly recommended to book at least 30 days in advance, especially if you are planning to travel during the peak season, to ensure vehicle and guide availability.

Minimum pax requirement: This package requires a minimum of 2 participants (pax) to operate. Single travelers should check availability before booking.

Flight Coordination: Please ensure you arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to international flights and 2 hours prior to domestic flights.

 


Travel guide

  • Documents: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. You will need a valid Vietnam E-visa printed out before you board your flight.
  • Packing: Pack lightweight clothes, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and cave stairs, and a swimsuit for the cruise. Bring a light jacket if you travel between November and February, when Hanoi evenings get cool.

  • Health: Drink bottled or filtered water throughout your trip. Keep basic stomach medicines and sunscreen in your day bag during tour trips.

  • Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Small shops and street vendors prefer cash, while main hotels and restaurants accept credit cards.

  • Cultural Etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples in Hoa Lu. Ask before taking photos of local shop owners or boat rowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you can leave your main suitcases stored safely at your Hanoi hotel while you go on the overnight cruise. You only need to pack an overnight day bag for your time on the ship.

The Tam Coc tour includes a local rower taking you along the Ngo Dong River through three natural rock caves. Life jackets are provided, and the ride lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Yes, the cruise kitchen can prepare vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-friendly meals if you let us know when booking your package.

Yes, 5 days give you enough time to explore all three places comfortably. Because Ninh Binh and Halong Bay are only a few hours drive from Hanoi, you spend minimal time on transfers and get full days at each location.

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